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College Accreditation

Learn about the accreditation of higher education institutions

Accreditation ensures that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality.  In the United States accreditation involves non-governmental entities as well as federal and state government agencies. Explore the resources below to understand accreditation and the differences between accredited or unaccredited institutions.

College Accreditation News & Updates

Find information about accreditation and see the latest information from ED about accreditation.

Overview of Accreditation in the United States

The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.

Functions of Accreditation

In order to insure a basic level of quality, the practice of accreditation arose in the United States.

Part 602: Recognition of Accrediting Agencies

The procedures and criteria for recognizing accrediting agencies are contained in Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Diploma Mills and Accreditation

Diploma mills are schools that are more interested in taking your money than providing you with a quality education.

Final Staff Analyses for Accrediting Agencies under Review

Full staff analyses on accreditation.

Institutional Accrediting Agencies

Find a list of institutional accrediting agencies are recognized as reliable authorities.

Programmatic Accrediting Agencies

Find a list of institutional accrediting agencies are recognized as reliable authorities.

National Recognition of State Approval Agencies

ED recognizes two categories of state approval agencies.

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Find accredited schools

Access a database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs as reported to the U.S. Department of Education by accrediting agencies and state approval agencies. 

 

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Page Last Reviewed:
April 21, 2025